NIKE LOOKS TO TAKE THE WORM OFF ITS ENDORSEMENT HOOK

Nike and Dennis Rodman "apparently are parting
company," as a highly-placed Nike official says that the
company has "little interest" in extending its relationship
with him, according to Jeff Manning in the Portland
OREGONIAN. On the record, Nike only says the Rodman's
contract has expired, but a Nike source said that Rodman
"crossed the thin line" beyond acceptable notoriety and
added Rodman no longer "sets the kind of example" Nike is
comfortable with. Manning notes Rodman may "be chafing" to
play a bigger role in Nike's marketing. According to Reebok
Basketball Marketing Official Howard Smith, "We hear he's as
unhappy with Nike as the company is with him." Rodman is
reportedly talking with Converse and eyewear maker Oakley
about "alternative deals" (Portland OREGONIAN, 1/10).